How the Premier League Table Would Look Without VAR

September 27, 2025 Kris Isaksen

VAR has become a permanent fixture in Premier League life since its arrival in 2019/20. But what if we removed the controversial system and adjusted the table based on the most impactful officiating mistakes? Here's a breakdown of how the current 2025/26 Premier League season would look without VAR intervention—starting from the bottom and working our way up.

No VAR Change in the Relegation Zone

west ham, aston villa, wolves — charnsitr / Shutterstock.com charnsitr / Shutterstock.com 4kclips / Shutterstock.com

Even with VAR errors taken into account, the bottom three clubs remain unchanged. West Ham, Aston Villa, and Wolves are still in deep trouble despite small advantages from refereeing decisions. VAR hasn't altered their fate—at least not yet.

Wolves Stay Rock Bottom Despite VAR Help

Wolverhampton Wanderers benefited from one major decision when Yerson Mosquera avoided a red card in a match against Newcastle. Still, it wasn’t enough to move them off the foot of the table. They remain 20th either way.

Aston Villa Still Slumping

Unai Emery's Aston Villa are enduring a rough patch and have only had one favourable VAR call, with no incorrect ones against them. However, it hasn’t changed their league position. They remain among the bottom three.

West Ham Can’t Catch a Break

Under Graham Potter, West Ham are in disarray and had one big VAR decision go in their favour. It came when a Tottenham goal was ruled out due to a soft foul. Even so, it hasn’t affected their place in the standings—they stay put.

Leeds Benefiting From One Big Call

Leeds United are currently in 12th, but without VAR, they'd be three places lower. A favourable late penalty against Everton helped them grab three points. That moment alone may be keeping them out of the relegation conversation.

Sunderland Get a Small Boost

Newly-promoted Sunderland have had a steady start, partially aided by VAR. Without those decisions, they would drop two places. It’s a small margin, but it shows how fine the lines are in the Premier League.

Manchester City Slightly Overrated by VAR

Even Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City have gained slightly from officiating decisions this season. Without VAR errors, they would sit two places lower in the table. While still a top side, they haven’t been spotless in their performances.

Newcastle Hurt by Missed Calls

Eddie Howe’s side would be three places higher if VAR had worked flawlessly this season. They missed out on at least two points due to a denied penalty against Bournemouth. That decision alone could be crucial in the European race.

Everton Miss Out On Big Moments

Everton have also been short-changed by VAR this season. They’d be three places higher and one point better off without a controversial penalty call in a match against Leeds. Their solid performances haven’t always been fairly rewarded.

Arsenal Gain the Most from VAR

Mikel Arteta’s men are currently flying high in second, but without VAR, they'd plummet to eighth. They benefitted significantly from a missed penalty shout in their opening match against Manchester United. VAR has helped keep their title hopes alive.

Crystal Palace Would Be Second

crystal palce — Selman GEDIK / Shutterstock.com

Oliver Glasner’s side have quietly gone 17 games unbeaten, and they’d be one point better off without VAR interference. That extra point would push them into second place above Arsenal and Tottenham. Palace are the surprise package of the season so far.

Fulham Deserve a Top Four Spot

Fulham have suffered the most from VAR errors, losing two crucial decisions that would’ve earned them Champions League qualification territory. Currently eighth, they would sit fourth if not for those mistakes. A disallowed goal against Chelsea proved costly.